After three years in prison, this week it will be determined how much more time the US government wants Pfc. Bradley Manning to serve. The defense case begins today. Approximately twenty people will testify for the defense before Manning takes the stand at the end of the week. The possibility remains this 25 year old could be sentenced to 90 years more. 3,917 people have signed my petition saying they are willing to serve part of Bradley Manning's sentence.
It is doubtful Manning had any idea what he was getting into when he joined the military. His early life had been turbulent but the teasing and ridicule he found in the military was devastating. Sources report he was picked on because of his diminutive stature (he is five feet two) and continually bullied because he is gay.
His deployment to Iraq was questionable. Many saw him as fragile on the brink of a breakdown. He was becoming more disillusioned with our government policies. Many details of his service record are available online so I will move on to his arrest following his release to Wikileaks of video, cables and other classified materials.
According to the the United Nations Rapporteur on torture, Manning spent 11 months in solitary with only one hour outside his cell daily. He was stripped naked and made to remain in view of guards 24 hours a day. The military says this was done because he was considered a suicide risk. The UN said it was torture. The fact is, Manning's treatment was on a par with prisoner treatment at Guantanamo. For a kid the military felt was suicidal it appears it did everything in it's power to crush him.
The government (OUR government) believes Manning should now serve up to 90 years more. His life has been hell. I will Proudly Serve part of his sentence as thanks for his courage in telling us what our government is doing. I encourage you to join me.
http://org.credoaction.com/...